Agility

In order to negotiate potential abnormal/adverse conditions that may be encountered on a search mission, the canine must have specific skills and overcome some of its natural instincts. The canine should be able to approach such conditions in a calm and controlled manner and negotiate obstacles without physical aide from its handler.

VSRDA does not require K9s to win Agilitycompetitions. Instead, we focus on the sound-ness of a dog, and the ability to use all 4 feet independently and approach obstacles with confidence that comes from experience.

Glossary of terms used on this site

Back-Chaining: A teaching methodology, where the training of the
chained behaviors occurs in
reverse order. The final behavior is taught first, and the second-to-last behavior
is added and taught next, and so forth.

For example: the very first behavior a back-chained "live find" dog is taught: is to play with new humans (the reward). For a Stay-and-Bark, the second behavior would be to "bark at a stranger" and then play.